Having low expectations heading into the season, the San Diego Chargers are looked at as a successful team based on that. Recording just a 5-7 record and being in the toughest division in the league means that they will need to win out in order to have a chance at making the playoffs. Philip Rivers has been impressive this season with a receiving corps or lesser known receivers, passing for 3,633 yards and 23 touchdowns for the fourth-best passing offense in the league. Keenan Allen has been Rivers’ favorite target as the rookie receiver has caught 58 passes for 843 yards and three touchdowns on the year while tight end Antonio Gates is close behind with 64 catches for 726 yards and three scores. Ryan Matthews has been productive in the run game, rushing for 782 yards and three scores.

On the other side of the field, the New York Giants started the season off very poorly and have since taken control of things, posting a 5-7 record and still having a shot at the playoffs. Eli Manning, however, is having his worst season as a professional quarterback, passing for 2,995 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with an elevated amount of interceptions with 15. His favorite target this season has been Victor Cruz who has caught 66 passes for 931 yards and four touchdowns while Hakeem Nicks has 44 catches for 654 yards and no touchdowns. Andre Brown has emerged in the run games, accounting for 343 yards and three touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry this season. He has been the light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling run game.

Defensively, the Giants have improved from where they were at following the first few weeks of the year. New York ranks 11th in total yards allowed, 13th in passing yards allowed and ninth in rushing yards allowed per game. San Diego has been playing poorly on defense this season, ranking 29th in total yards allowed, 28th in passing yards allowed and 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at connor.muldowney@rantsports.com.